Wallabies and Waratahs legend Bernard Foley doesn’t just like rugby union, he LOVES it – but that doesn’t stop the star flyhalf from sharing his honest thoughts on the state of the game.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail Australia, Foley’s passion for the game oozed out of every pore in his body; but even the self-confessed rugby lover knows there is still work to be done.
Foley is adamant that despite the recent improvements when it came to high performance, fan engagement and grassroots participation, much more can be done to improve the game in Australia.
Bernard Foley lines up a penalty goal against Japan in the 2019 Rugby World Cup
He might not be a rugby league fan, but Foley did admit that there is one thing in particular league does better than union, after watching one of the greatest league games in recent memory.
‘The physicality was incredible, it was a great advertisement for the game,’ he said of the State of Origin decider on July 13.
‘What rugby league do really well, is they sell it really well. It can be a s**t game, but they just talk it up to the fans of how good the defence is, when really the attack is just horrendous.
‘Whereas rugby is the opposite. Commentators will say ‘oh their skills aren’t good enough’. We need to sell it the other way and say how high-pressure the defence is, for example,’ Foley said.
A dejected Wallabies side after losing the Ell-Mobbs Trophy series decider to England at the SCG earlier this month
Foley is an unabashed fan of the game, regardless of what kind of state it is in – that’s clear.
And it isn’t just about what happens on the field, it’s what it means for so many different types of people.
‘I’ve been very lucky with the game. It has given me a lot, so there is an aspect of trying to give back (by creating Aqua Rugby), but also I just believe in the game of rugby,’ said Foley.
‘It is so inclusive and the diversity is incredible – anyone can play rugby: people of all…
Source : dailymail
